A Brief History ofMountain District Radio

3MDR 89.9 fm, 106.5 fm & 97.1 fm1983Because of the Ash Wednesday bushfires a meeting was convened in 1983 by Mr Peter Colenso . The reason was to get a better emergency system for the people in the Dandenongs, as the present system was inadequate.The first board of 3MDR was formed in 1985/86 and consisted of Brian Dumps [President], Ron Hadley [V/P,] Barbara Baxter [Sec] , David Hutton [Treas], Len Hamilton , Ian Porter, Robert Fogarty ,Greg Webb, R Chapman , Paul Easton , Peter Colenso, Tom McGee, Ron Harmer [Technical ]

19853MDR first started test transmissions in January on the 20th to the 26th in 1985 as 89.9 fm,then went to 106.5 fm.This call sign was to last only for the test transmission of August 198?Then it reverted back to 89.9 fm until the full license was given in 1990, thus 97.1 fm was born.Nearly 30 Years On Air……

3MDR has had many homes in it’s 25 year plus history, beside the Cockatoo water tower behind Mary and Lionel Lattemer’s house in a bungalow, or in a bus which was fitted out as a radio station . This was also used for outside broadcasts, a great success for 3MDR and the Dandenong Ranges. The move was made for 3MDR to go to Best Street in Belgrave for professional reasons . In the 90′s 3MDR had a shop as well in the Arcade in Belgrave.

Humble Beginnings3MDR first started with turn tables and cassettes then moved on to Laptop computers etc. over a period of twenty plus years. Although the turntables and cassette players are still being used, right Andy?! The studio and equipment is a far more up to date but like any technology always in need replacement and repair. 3MDR had 'temporary' accommodation in the Emerald Hall for seventeen years from 2001 - 2018.

20183MDR moved to the historic Forest Park Homestead, located adjacent to Upwey South Primary School in January 2018.This ten room homestead is a Victorian Education Department building and we are looking forward to a long and fruitful future here.

Volunteers3MDR is a Community Based Organisation supported by the local community and staffed by fabulous people who volunteer their time and energy to bringing you the events and information relating to your local areas. As Station Manager Phil would say, drop by and have a chat to see how you can be involved.

Supporters and volunteers always welcome.

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